I’ve been looking around a few websites for watches, specifically Omega. I like a few of the older models no longer in production. There are seceral websites that have them, but I normally prefer to buy higher cost items in person. Can anyone share personal experiences with sites like watchfinder, bob’s watches, chronograph 24, etc? Mostly good reviews, except for those that feel like they got scammed. Never too sure about web based reviews anyway because it seems most folks happy with a purchase don’t bother to leave a positive review. Or maybe all the reviews are AI, who knows?
I’ve been looking around a few websites for watches, specifically Omega. I like a few of the older models no longer in production. There are seceral websites that have them, but I normally prefer to buy higher cost items in person. Can anyone share personal experiences with sites like watchfinder, bob’s watches, chronograph 24, etc? Mostly good reviews, except for those that feel like they got scammed. Never too sure about web based reviews anyway because it seems most folks happy with a purchase don’t bother to leave a positive review. Or maybe all the reviews are AI, who knows?
Perhaps ironically, the backlight on my new Timex Expedition failed a few weeks after I posted this, in late November. As far as I know the light just stopped working; I don't remember anything happening to the watch that could have affected it.Desert Dog just came out with a watch video.
I'm not a watch guy so I have little basis for opinion on this. I've only had one watch most of my life, a Tag that my parents gave me for my 18th birthday. I wore it lots of rough and overseas places for years, but recently decided not to wear it as much because I'd be really bummed if I lost it. I've also got a Swiss Army that belonged to my dad that I occasionally wear, but that also has sentimental value. Earlier this year I got a Timex Expedition for general use and as something in which I don't care what happens to it. They also seem to have good reviews for durability, but DD strongly disagrees. He says he's had a few fail on him. We'll see how long mine lasts. For ~$60 Canadian dollars and I love the look of it, I can't go wrong.
He has a number of recommendations ranging from Casio G Shocks to Hamiltons. He kept all his recommendations in the video under $1000 USD.
I owned several of the Timex watches when I was early in my Naval career and experienced several failures ranging from the light not working to the watch completely failing. This was not acceptable for the duty I was in because resupply was not an option.Perhaps ironically, the backlight on my new Timex Expedition failed a few weeks after I posted this, in late November. As far as I know the light just stopped working; I don't remember anything happening to the watch that could have affected it.
I just received it back from warranty repair in the Philippines. They replaced the dial, crystal assembly and battery. Shipping to thee US for repair was free. It cost me $10 Canadian for return shipping.
So, I'm guessing this was just a random failure that happened in the early part of the "bathtub curve" where products tend to fail early on on or late in their expected life cycle. Still a good watch for the price but it takes away from the reputation for reliability in my mind. Because I usually have a phone for backup time keeping, the Expedition is still acceptable as a beater for me. Anyway, just sharing this anecdotal data point because it relates to my earlier post.

There are a lot of fashionista hunters on this page , as you can see from everything from the hats, clothing, watches they wear on or off safari, a costume for every occasion.I wear my everyday "beater" watch..casio forester. I have a couple of nice watches to include my father's rolex. I do not wear these in the field. Some of the watches shown in other posts do not look like they have never been outside a celebrity gala, let a lone in the field? But I could be wrong.
Let’s see what you look like….There are a lot of fashionista hunters on this page , as you can see from everything from the hats, clothing, watches they wear on or off safari, a costume for every occasion.
Sure thing Little Lord Fauntleroy ( see urban slang lol)Let’s see what you look like….
Or just sticking to pictures of other people only?
Totally agree about Teddy Baldassarre. Seems like a very nice young man and very knowledgeable. I also admire how he turned his YT watch channel into a thriving brick and mortar store. Good for him. However, I’m not a fan of that watch. I like the attempt at a vintage vibe but he could have accomplished that without the big blue swirly thing. I do like the small seconds complication though.I know one likely wouldn’t wear this on a hunt but thought I’d share it anyway. Pretty cool to see this happen. Teddy is one of the most respectable watch YouTubers out there. IMHO. He’s knowledgeable, passionate, genuine and professional.
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RGM 501 Teddy Baldassarre Edition 39mm – Blue on Leather Strap
RGM 501 Teddy Baldassarre Edition 39mm – Blue on Leather Strapteddybaldassarre.com
Digital is not necessarily a bad thing. It's the smartwatch that really suffers and the battery isn't the only thing that kills them in the field.Totally get it - I’d stick with a reliable automatic for the hunt and bring the GPS separately. Digital hunting watches are neat, but battery life kills them in the field
One can do both. I like my iWatch Ultra, the battery lasts long enough to charge in camp every other day (I charge daily though). And wear my other watches when going out etc..FYI - Smartwatches average cost is $80-$800 with an average life expectancy of 2-5 years. A good quality automatic (new) will cost $4K-$10K and last several generations. Buy once, cry once.